On college football’s biggest Division III stage, the University of Wisconsin–River Falls Falcons and the North Central College Cardinals collide in a championship defined by history, belief, and elite execution.
For UWRF, it marked a first.
For North Central, it is business as usual.
UWRF FALCONS
Record: 13–1
Conference: WIAC
Stagg Bowl Appearances: First Ever
Behind one of the most explosive offenses in Division III history, UWRF authored a season that redefined the program. The Falcons averaged 560+ yards per game, attacking defenses with tempo, confidence, and precision.
QB Kaleb Blaha delivered a record-setting campaign:
- 5,700+ total yards
- 50+ total touchdowns
- Nation-leading total offense
UWRF’s playoff run peaked in a legendary semifinal win over Johns Hopkins, capped by a 79-yard game-winning touchdown that sent the Falcons to Canton for the first time in school history.
NORTH CENTRAL CARDINALS
Record: 14–0
Conference: CCIW
Stagg Bowl Appearances: 6 Straight
North Central arrived as the standard of excellence in Division III football. The defending national champions once again showcased elite balance, discipline, and championship composure.
The Cardinals averaged nearly 50 points per game, combining a lethal passing attack with a physical ground game and one of the nation’s top defenses.
A dominant 41–21 semifinal victory over John Carroll reinforced what the country already knew — North Central thrives on this stage.
BY THE NUMBERS
UWRF
- 560+ Yards Per Game
- 40+ Passing TDs
- 19.5 PPG Allowed
NORTH CENTRAL
- ~50 Points Per Game
- Top-Tier Scoring Defense
- Undefeated Season
THE STAGG BOWL STATEMENT
This championship wasn’t just about a trophy.
It was proof that new contenders can rise — and that dynasties endure. The 2026 Stagg Bowl showcased the very best of Division III football: speed, toughness, intelligence, and belief.
Two programs.
Two journeys.
One national stage.
For those wanting to watch the game, the game will be broadcasted at 8 pm (ET) on ESPN.
Also for those who want to keep up, for the first time in Stagg Bowl history, on X @D3FBHuddle is going to give you an entire D3FB Championship broadcast from the sidelines, providing play-by-play, color commentary, and live updates from their “In the Huddle” team.
Also Division 1 Rejects will be live on YouTube and on X @D1_Rejects at 6 pm (ET).
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
